I'm pretty happy about this news as well, and hope it is confirmed by Lucasfilm/Disney soon. I'm a big fan of the new Trek movie, as well as Super 8 (not to mention things like LOST)...and we all know he's a big fan and a talented filmmaker, so it is a great way to kick things off. I'm excited to hear more about all of this, and where he's going take things. Now for some story/casting rumors .

I've been following this news all day and it has been quite comical. A dozen or so entertainment/news sites (Variety, THR, Jo Blo MTV, etc.) were all posting this as confirmed all while siting anonymous sources and the original sit that broke the story (The Wrap). Then later it evolved into being in final negotiations between Abrams and Disney.

How does multiple sites running the story based on the same source warrant a "confirmation"? I still think it is possible, maybe even probable but until LFL/Disney issues a release it is still a rumor.

I was hoping for Ridley Scott. Turns out the midichlorians, which allow lifeforms to use the Force, were created by an ancient race of none-too-friendly pale skinned giants. Then we see Jabba the Hutt's baby burst from Leia's chest.

Or Tim Burton, who'd take the job then say he doesn't like Star Wars or even science-fiction, Depp stars and Helena Bonham Carter appears...aside from a Billy Dee Williams cameo, the only actor from a previous Star Wars film to appear is Christopher Lee as a recording of Count Dooku, who turns out is Johnny Depp's character's dad.

Y'know, that lens flare right at the beginning of AOTC has always bothered me. Likewise the silly overuse of it in Trek. But I'll take a movie that's set on the "lens flare planet" to have a director that is paying attention to what the actors are doing around the FX.

Looks like we might actually get a movie with an involving emotional thread. Super 8 (and for that matter Toy Story 3) was so well done I have a ton of faith here. Lets hope it pans out and all parties can keep this combination together.

Although I would have been more than happy to hear that Del Toro would be directing, I'm pleasantly surprised (and RELIEVED) that Abrams is directing. When rumors came out that the director of whatever Wolverine/X-Men movie that was would possibly directing, I was praying that it wouldn't be so.

Let's be honest, the guy's very talented. He has some very well-done and well-reviewed AND well-received films in his portfolio. Am I afraid he'll mess with a lotta canon like he supposedly did with Trek? Yes. But, being that he's the big fan he's always claim to be, I doubt he'd do anything outrageous, because he'd probably be just as pissed if someone else had done that.

Logged

"'Want to see a trick I learned at the Sith Temple? It's called "'Force Choke.'"

I'm hoping that Michael Giacchino does the music for it. Williams has become to stale with his film scores recently. I want to hear some new music not a rehashed Raiders score like Crystal Skull received.

I think this is generally good news. I agree that Abrams knows how to bring the emotion and get you caring about the characters. That's the biggest miss from the prequels for me - the only person I found myself really caring about was Obi-Wan, and that's just credit to Ewan's acting. It's all still going to depend on where he takes the plot, but whatever he does he's going to do in a big way. I'm sure the budget is wide open for this project, so I'm trusting that this is going to be good.

This is blasphemy. You point a light source at a camera and that's going to reflect around inside the lens... adding lens flares makes his big visual effects scenes and space scenes feel like they were shot with actual cameras instead of being digitally created - to me at least.

A couple of friends at Disney were fantasizing about the new STAR WARS movies.

"Disney" has said nothing to me and I expect nothing. That a couple of friends were wishing is only an expression of the hope that many are sharing but says nothing regarding the Studio itself. Even if 'they' did ask, which Disney has not, I'd rather leave the new films to the next generation to interpret. I've had my time and they were exceptional blessings for which I will forever be grateful.